the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, Thursday. It's a lovely day here in the city and I'm getting on the phone in a few hours to hear about a brilliant travel opportunity for work and I can't WAIT. More on that soon- fingers crossed it transpires. 

So it's Thursday and I've got throwbacks on my mind. I'm so not a nostalgic person in any way but I do love pop culture so it's fun to look back at moments in time, particularly one's youth, and smile at what we all wore back in the day. As a quintessential child of the 80s, one label stands out for me beyond all others as a vestige of that time- and that's Esprit, or Esprit de Corps. Founded by Doug and Suzie Tompkins in San Francisco (during the heyday of Levi's and the Gap incidentally), the brand ceased to exist in the US about five years ago but what an impact they had. Suzie Tompkins is notable for her female entrepreneurship, and if you look back at some of the workish looks from the brand, you definitely see a relaxed, California ease that was decidedly counter to the Working Girl shoulder pad brigade of that time. Esprit was all light, love, and color. Most of their ads were photographed by Olivier Toscani, who also shot those iconic Benetton ads of that same era. A Wikipedia search had me remembering he introduction of the “Real People Campaign”, which was shot by Toscani, "using architects and designers for its projects, starting with Italian Ettore Sottsass, who developed the first Esprit Europe Headquarters in Düsseldorf. He established the overall concept of the stores in the style of the Memphis design movement.Architects and designers included Antonio Citterio and Norman Foster". Pretty bold and ahead of their time I would say- and very cool from a couple that started their business from a VW Bus. 

So as a kiddlywink in Philadelphia, I was straight up obsessed with Esprit. It's true my look was a bit more Japanese/dark at the time, but there was this cool California aesthetic of the 80s (Fast Times/surf culture/Valley Girl/Camp Beverly Hills) that was hard to ignore, and it was a nice break from some of the darker looks I was always rocking. I will never forget going to sleepaway camp and my mom taking me on quite the shopping trip- buying me a good amount of Esprit sweatshirts, shorts, and all kinds of other gear. I laid all of those outfits out on my bed, called by best friends over, and worshipped those clothes like they were gold. And to be honest, they kind of were.  

Looking back at these ads made me smile today. And now I will proceed to search for vintage Esprit online and see if I can grab a cool piece or two- I love the knee length skirted looks with blazers and the more grown up layered looks that epitomized the brand a little later in its life. Such a great moment in fashion, and moreover, my youth.  What a great vibe. They're still producing in Europe and have loads of licensing deals there, but maybe it's time for a US comeback hmm hmm?

Cause that's what's up this Throwback Thursday in the 718. Yours, in joie de vivre, and Esprit de Corps. I have some shopping to do. XO

Good afternoon, friends. It's a beautiful day in New York though my allergies are positively on fleek. I can't.

So as the temperature rises and Summer is on its way, thoughts of wardrobe are swirling around my brain. And as the days get longer, I can't help but crave feminine, more bohemian clothes that have charm and a bit of the handmade aesthetic I adore for warm days and nights by the beach.

So I was thrilled to discover the genius crocheted knits of Pari Desai, who was trained as a milliner and ended up being the in-house designer at one of the last knitting factories in America. She was also designer at TSE, Calvin Klein, and ALC before she launched her own line in 2014. I found this fabulous crocheted dress above on a recent scavenge in No. 6- a favorite Nolita haunt of mine for clogs and great pieces that are unique and more artful than all of that fast fashion out there. I adore this dress with its high slits to wear with white Birks or said clogs, and to put with a flared, cropped jean for chilly evenings. It's such a fabulous piece, and looking on her site, there's much to love. Love the sweater vests at the top of this piece with wide legged trousers and a sandal. Very chic. 

I adore a sweater dress, even though you would think in the heat it would be the last thing you want- this is a lightweight knit that breathes- and I find something about a knit dress flattering on most body types if it's cut properly. So why not think about this great line for all of your knit-like needs this Summer? 

And that's what's up this handmade Wednesday in the 718. Yours, in stitching it up. Link to her site here. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. It's still chilly in New York and this weather is nice for being snuggled in, but not much for motivating. My lethargy must end soon, or I might possibly turn into a slug, sluggin' around Brooklyn and doing everything but being productive. No doubt this malaise will end.

So this am I was reading a blog post about yet another thing French women never do when it comes to tending to their tresses. I don't know what it is, but I've grown tres bored with all the things that French women don't do when it comes to, oh, just about everything- parenting, dieting, styling, living. I say good for them. Great for them really. But I'm not French, and though I admire their tremendous chic and style, I don't really want to be. I'm not sure what magical editorial board has decided that we all want to look like rumpled French ladies, but that's simply not the case.  In a quick Google search of "Things French women don't do", I found a few gems: they never get fat, they don't date, they don't contour, and heaven forbid, they DON'T wear "bold, synthetic fabrics". I can't make this shit up.  Also they don't sleep in or get wasted. Needless to say,  I could never, ever be French.

Though I love the whole French mystique, it's not right for me. And that's the thing. I don't have Caroline de Maigret's ranginess or lopsided grin, nor do I have Clemence Poesy's ingenue on steroids mystique.  And although I live for my trench and ballet flats, I'll never reach the heights of haute like Catherine Deneuve. Sure file some of these tips under inspiration or wishful thinking, but really never dying one's hair? Seriously? WTF is that? And though there have been times in my female life I have yearned to be a braless and makeup-free French girl, scampering around the Marais with fuss free hair after an evening of champagne, cheese, and French lovers, I've come to a place of appreciating my straight up New York American approach to style- and that requires a great bra, even better hairstylists and colorists, and being mindful of my cheese intake. It's just not that good for me. Neither is smoking. So there's that. And I actually like to exercise. Oh, and most of the time, my underwear does not match my bra. I'd like it too, but it doesn't. And there are more important things. Like occasionally drinking too much and sleeping in.

And I'm proud to report this week I'm coloring my hair a shade that is quite far from my natural color, and I'm fully chuffed about it. I love playing with my haircolor, enjoy a good blowdry (though it's rare I do it), and definitely complain like a whiny baby about the hot weather (apparently French ladies don't- read the post above).  But seriously no hair color unless to cover those little white fuckers by the roots? No. Lord no. I love hair dye. LOVE it. I am proud to say I have not seen my natural color since I am 15. It's just something I love playing with.

I'm not sure what the insane and constant fascination is with what French girls do and don't do- I admit I've succumbed to the frenzy from time to time but this Jewish American girl knows herself well enough to know that the French way can never be my way- I like to dye, dry, and deny (as in deny my frizz) too much. Good for the French babes. But for those of that are not blessed with Francophilic genetics, let's just move on, mmkay? To me, French girls seem a bit passive/aggressive with all of their rules/no rules kind of je ne sais quoi. I'm not saying I'm full Kardashian, but I get by with a lot of help from my friends- and they are my colorist, styling products, and sacre bleu- leggings.  So do French women really do everything better than everyone else? Non. No they don't. They do their thing, we do ours. Let's leave it like that and stop trying to be more French. It's just too hard to pretend not to care- don't you think all of that takes a lot of work, PS?

And that's what's up this all American Tuesday in the 718. Yours, in stars, stripes, and (still) chic. XO

Good morning, Wednesday. It finally feels like Spring in New York and there's just nothing better- I love the change of seasons in the city and all the hopeful thoughts and dreams it brings. Inspiring.

But as the mercury creeps up, it's hard not to stress about not just what to wear, but how to manage frizz in what will surely be a hot Summer (trust me I know these things).

So I'm always on the lookout for products to keep my tresses frizz free, and I'm glad I wandered into Kiehl's the other day to rediscover their products and check out some new ones.

I've always been a Kiehl's fan but admittedly forget about their great products in a sea of so many brands to try and play with. I adore their sunflower shampoo and conditioner (best smell ever and great for color treated hair) and have also always loved their skincare, which, although not cheap, is not nearly as spendy as the big guns like La Mer but definitely powerful and wonderful. 

My favorite discovery of late is their Deeply Restorative Smoothing Hair Concentrate, which can be used on damp or dry hair to combat those frizzies. I used it yesterday along with the above shampoo (and also their smoothing Argan conditioner) and loved everything about it- not too heavy, smells amazing, and most importantly- frizz free hair was mine.  A little goes a long way and the combo of the shampoo, conditioner, and this one product was perfection. I'm all about solving Summer's hair issues with products- I'm off my keratin treatment regime because I'm into natural textured hair of late, but most definitely not into frizz.

So that be that. Go investigate at a Kiehl's near you, and I believe they're doing 20% off of everything through mid month. It's a fun place to play for sure. Cause that's what's up this smooth Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in good hair, don't care. XO

Good afternoon, Tuesday. It's a cool day in NY but a lovely one for strolls with Khan around the hood. Right now he's sleeping on his side enjoying the cool breeze. Cherish quiet moments with that little guy.

So as someone who has always watched trends, it's hard not to notice when there's a blip on the radar when it comes to recognizing a pattern, or really, a trend. For me, it's always most clear in fashion, because I'm constantly monitoring what's in the stores and what's online in all of my favorite blogs and sources of fashion knowledge.

Maybe you've also noticed a few things happening for Spring- the kick crop jean is a huge silhouette as is the off the shoulder top or dress. Another thing I've noticed taking over are stripes- particularly blue and white striped vertical lines showing up on just about everything, and looking best in crisp cotton shirting and dresses for a play on menswear that manages to feel super feminine. 

Rag and Bone's version below:

 And this one from MDS Stripes is a cute little take on the shirt dress, with a feminine wrap. I love a shirt dress for summer- such an easy way to look buttoned up.  Other cute versions from this great brand here as well, love the drop waist dress, cute skirt, and of course the off the shoulder and stripes double hitter to drive home not one but two trends:

Also dig this version from Scotch and Soda below:

And this one from Vince is a nice version of an easy popover tunic which would also look great with white jeans and a belt. 

Oh and this cute little ruffled number from Club Monaco is great for summer BBQs and afternoons in the sun.

And can't leave out my fav, Comme des Garcons sold on J. Crew's site, who always cuts a great shirt and that logo is dear to my heart. Obviously this iconic brand does not come cheap, but there are so many great versions of stripes at all price points to help you nail this trend.

As for me? I'd rock the trend with an oversized men's shirt featuring said stripes (raid your man's closet for sure), half tucked into jeans with some flat or block heeled sandals and aviators, and a bag from Claire Vivier who does the cutest straw bags, clutches, and boho totes for Summer. Something so satisfying about stripes, and vertical stripes are most certainly more figure friendly than their horizontal counterpart. Love the nods to preppy and menswear influence and checks my boxes for brightening up your face in the warmer months. Check out these cool street smart looks below- substitute a striped shirt for any of the solids and you're good to go. Plus loving a tightly knotted small scarf to make it less yachtsy totsy, and more Parisian chicaroo.

So why not try this trend spotted in the stores and on the streets of my beloved city? Cause that's what's up this always on the lookout kind of Tuesday in the 718. Yours, in keeping it fresh for Spring. XO

Good afternoon, Friday. I'm sitting here on yet another rainy day, but this time I'm lucky enough to be enjoying one hell of a hangover. Yay me.

So as I'm sitting here licking my wounds (that taste like tequila), I just had a listen to Justin Timberlake's new sure to be Summer banger "Can't Stop the Feeling", created for the next Dreamworks animation release, "Trolls". With Variety asking if it's the next "Happy", it's hard to ignore thinking about what makes a hit song these days, and then thinking how we can apply it to our own lives. Yea, it's fluffy as fuck and super poppy, but that's what's fun about it. Stop being so snobby and serious, would you?  It may not make it onto Pitchfork but it's good nonetheless. Because JT is adorable and infectious as always and the video is fun. To me here are the formulas for making your very own hit song, regardless of whether you can sing a note or not:

Be positive. Everybody needs something uplifting these days. If you help spread a positive message, people will sing along with you. With Trump and this endless rain in NY, it was nice to smile along with JT. 

Get important types singing your praises. I love how JT used celebs in the video- it really supports the message and it makes sense for our own personal brands to incorporate whoever is trending in your industry- you may not be able to get Gwen Stefani, but think of who you know who can help you get your point across.

Keep it simple. This song is catchy as hell, and it ain't rocket science. The words are simple enough to sing along, and in that way, easily sharable and spreadable. That's the goal nowadays- simplify and share. And repeat.

Be inclusive. I love how this song and video allow for others to make their own versions of it, just like "Happy" did. That was the genius of that song and that's what's great about this one- everybody loves making their own content now and if you create something people can share and be part of, you're going to have a big hit on your hands.

Have fun. James Corden makes an appearance in this video, and to me, he is the poster child for someone having fun at work. This video is joyful and fun and of course, uplifting. If you show your passion and how much fun you're having, I guarantee everyone else is going to want to play with you too.

So if you want to make a hit/make a product/make a deal, look to JT to show you the way. What a great way for him to come back, and I am grateful for the inspiration this gloomy day. Cause that's what's up this can't stop, won't stop kind of Friday in the 718. Yours, in not going tone deaf. Link to vid here.  XO

Good evening, Thursday. I'm not much for night posting but whatevs. I'm all kinds of off kilter so why not?

Since it's the day of the week for throwbacks, I just thought I'd share these gorgeous shots from French Glamour in September1994, wherein a young and beautifully bobbed Amber Valletta is photographed by Paolo Roversi. Goals, kids. Goals. Still so stunning, non? And the styling is on point. Love the grey jumper/vest and the low slung black pants. Good stuff. And that hair. Divine.

Fabulous story and wanted to quickly share. Enjoy. Cause that's what's up this throwin' it back Thursday in the 718. Yours, in looking back for inspiration. XO

Good afternoon, Wednesday. It's so gloomy outside and it's taking its toll on my mood. Though I am romantically in love with the weather of Wuthering Heights, in reality it is no bueno for my spirit. I'm feeling a bit wilted and really would love some sunshine soon pretty please. I can't handle much more mist, and neither can my hair for that matter. I love Emily Bronte, but enough's enough.

But weather aside, I'm coming clean- it's no secret I've been feeling a little bit stuck of late, and though it feels terribly indulgent to talk about it, talk about it I must. 

So in my home in Brooklyn, I have a beautiful and not tiny yard- this is it above- and I'm not even showing you that there's a whole other side to it that belongs to us too. It is full of trees and grass and flowers. It's nice. But I have no idea what in heck to do with it. 

I stare at it often as I watch Khan use the yard as his personal pee and poo zone and wonder why I can't seem to wrap my head around decorating such a magical and rare space in a town like New York. Summers come and go and the garden and yard remain barren- yes we have a grill, some version of a garden, and a table and chairs on the deck but man, it's hard not to imagine how much more spectacular it could be back there. Yea, by now you're thinking I'm a little baby bitchface who is whining about a backyard, but really, I'm paralyzed by its possibilities, and I can't get past it.

I have no green thumb whatsoever, but surely I could have someone help me craft this space into something magical. And yes, there are these places that sell outdoor furniture called stores where I can go and pick out some great pieces that would work for dinners and parties al fresco all throughout the Spring and Summer. But more often than not, I get daunted and distracted by the potential of said yard and well, it remains the provenance of my dog Khan, and really, a sad spot that could be oh so much more. That's pretty much how I feel about my career.

As someone who has steadily freelanced for years on end, I've reached a point where I'm happy to still do it, but I'm ready for something more. I've mentioned being torn between wanting to write full time and wanting to use my years of experience to start some sort of outfit that speaks to my expertise in production. So let's talk about it.

I have been gifted with a lovely yard in the sense that I am fortunate to have done some amazing work in my life, and I can see the potential of many more years of great work to come. But lacking the ability (just like in my yard) to make things grow and prosper and bloom is a real problem of mine. And just as I have no place to sit with friends and drink rose in my big time yard, I have no place to sit and craft the next phase of my career. And though I know I could speak to many people about what's next, I hesitate, because I am still staring at a big, blank space. It's green and fertile and lovely, but there's nothing going on there.  And though I have a vision, I'm having trouble tending and caring for its growth. What to do about that? I suppose the answer is not to hide under the covers, right? Right. I know. If I do that, I will never be able to enjoy that damn yard.

Perhaps if I get my yard in Brooklyn in order, the rest will follow. You're all invited to my first party there. Let's all pray that it takes place this Summer, and not the Summer of yet another year gone by.  Sometimes a metaphor is apt, and that's the truth. Cause that's what's up this tending to my garden kind of Wednesday in the 718. Yours, in fixing up, looking sharp, and hopefully getting it right. XO

Good morning, friends and fam. It's a gloomy one in New York and I'm still in bed watching the Today Show and thinking about last night's Met Ball. The first Monday in May came and went, and though there were some pretty dresses, it lacked any real wow factor for me, besides a few. Really everyone ignored the amazing opportunity to do something on theme- the whole man vs. machine thing was all but ignored. I'm also wondering why not a single person (that I saw) was wearing Vintage- where was the Pierre Cardin, Courreges, or any of the more future-like fun looks from the 60s? It feels like there may indeed be an embargo on vintage- really this day should be a stylist's dream to reach deep into the imagination- and all it really was was a nod to the runways of this season. Hey, Anna- can we see some real creative visionaries come to this thing? How about inviting some artists or more tech types to something like this? Overall, I was bored.

Also with the exception of Claire Danes and Karolina Kurkova, nobody partnered with tech in any way to do anything outstanding. It's hard for me to believe that big tech like Samsung and Apple would not seize the moment to partner with a big designer on such a night, particularly since wearables are part of the picture for tech brands moving forward. Where was tech on the red carpet last night? Non-existent for the most part. Is the point really that fashion and tech don't mix? I have no idea but really, I can't help but feel fatigue from the whole Hollywood and fashion thing. It's become everything but glamorous and all but expected, trivial, and boring.

But there were some good looks and here's who I liked- and thought I'd get a little Jimmy Fallon and write some thank you notes to the best looks, and some no thank you's to the worst ones:

Claire Danes in Zac Posen- Thank you, Claire, for being on brief. And looking gorgeous in the process.

Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa- Thank you, Karolina, for looking like a high tech fairy princess. Lovely. (Her dress responded to tweets).

Nicole Kidman in McQueen- Thank you, Nicole, for looking like a futuristic sorceress from the past. Yes that's right. I loved it.

Zoe Saldana in Dolce & Gabbana- Thank you, Zoe, for not exactly being on brief but very much making quite the entrance.

Taylor Swift in Louis Vuitton- Thank you, Taylor, for having some fun with fashion and showing a little edge.

Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton- Thank you, Alicia- your mixed media look had me scratching my head in the best of ways. Not an easy look to wear, risky, and worth it.

Emma Watson in Calvin Klein- Thank you, Emma, for wearing a concoction of a dress that is sustainable because it's made from recycled plastic bottles. Fabulous and you love those pants under dresses and so do I,girl. So do I.

Mackenzie Davis in Altuzurra- Thank you, Mackenzie, for this very pretty dress. That is all.

Willow Smith in Chanel- Thank you, Willow, for being very modern and cool and not going as crazy as I expected you to go. Lovely.

Brie Larson in Proenza Schouler- Thank you, Brie, for being named for a cheese I quite enjoy and wearing a dress I'd love to have in my very own closet.

Sienna Miller in Gucci- Thank you, Sienna for a simply great look- not on brief, but really pretty as always. I appreciate your consistency.

Gigi Hadid in Tommy Hilfiger- Thank you, Gigi, for this gorgeous metallic color and rocking quite the dress, and points for bringing a date that enjoyed the theme.

Rachel McAdams in Valentino- Thank you, Rachel, for looking beautiful in gold. Your elegance did not go unnoticed.

Emma Stone in Prada- Thank you, Emma, for this harnessed look that somehow you managed to own. Loved it. And you're a gorgeous man made brunette. 

Alexa Chung in Thakoon- Thank you, Alexa, for just looking so damn cool. Another look I would love in my personal arsenal. I think you may be my favorite look somehow. I know it's not the most exciting, but I just love it for its own sake. I would so so wear that.

Zendaya in Michael Kors- Thank you, Zendaya, for your ever changing hairstyle and this fabulous Michael Kors number. Rockin' it.

Naomi Watts in Burberry. Thank you, Naomi, for understanding red carpet glam better than most. Almost always in my top 10.

Oh, and of course, here's who was awful:

Demi Lovato in Moschino- No thank you. You look like a bad mafia princess/mother of the bar mitzvah. Nope. Theme was not hot mess, ps.

Amy Schumer in Alexander Wang- No thank you. You look horrible in this dress and I wish it was a) black and b) you stopped trying so hard to be a fashion girl. Plus the hair was terrible. Living up to your movie title girl- trainwreck indeed.

Lena Dunham in J. Crew- No thank you. Lena I love you but you too should stop with the fashion thing- you are more victim than muse in that department and just wish you would learn to dress for your body. I know you were paying homage to Jena, but it came out more like Jiminy Glick, and I love you, but ugh.

Lady Gaga in Versace- No thank you. Gaga you crazy. And not in a good way. The hair, the outfit- appalling. 

Grimes in Louis Vuitton- No thank you. . Yuck. Awful. Alicia and Taylor got the best looks, Grimes was left in the dumpster behind the atelier. Freegan chic?

Beyonce in Givenchy-  No thank you. The UK Mirror said you looked like a "giant condom" and yea, you did. Horrible, uncomfortable looking, and you get no lemonade for that look, gurl.

Kim and Kanye in Balmain- No thank you. You look bad in that dress (another one who can't get it right when it comes to the body and clothes)- Kanye you look crazy but kind of love the contacts, so thanks for that. Kim's makeup good by the way besides the eyebrows and that wet look hair. #vibes.

Kris Jenner in Balmain - No thank you. Terrible. You should know better by now. You would be fabulous in a clean and simple tux. Just saying.

Madonna- No thank you times infinity. I can't take it with you. Put your boobs and butt away. Pretty please. It's enough.

Oh and in general? The models won the fashion show, and those dark lips are a trend that can't go away soon enough for me. Dislike. PS the Olson girls. They get thanks and praises. Always. They can do no wrong. Dowager chic or not. They slay.

So that's my basic round up. Hope you enjoyed it. Cause that's what's up this first Tuesday in May kind of day in the 718. Yours, in another red carpet, another day.  Looking forward to seeing the show at the Met, which promises to be more magical than the looks at the party. I can't help but feel kind of disappointed for the lack of imagination. XO

Good afternoon, kittycats.  

Tonight is the Met Ball and having just seen "The First Monday in May" , the documentary about said Ball, I can't wait to see what the fabulous and famous will be wearing.

This year's theme, according to Vogue, is “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.” The exhibit "will focus on the dichotomy between handmade haute couture and machine-made fashion".  Interesting. I can't wait to see it and can't wait to tune in and see what everyone is wearing to such  a future focused event. Man vs. machine. I'm onboard.

I imagine there will be quite a bit of McQueen, Gareth Pugh, and my favorites- vintage Pierre Cardin or Rudi Gernreich for those in the know fashion types that love the whole retro future look like I do. So I thought I'd share some inspiration with you in terms of what the future looks like, from a fashion standpoint. Sure, we'll probably all be wearing jumpsuits in a few years (most of us already are alreaady), but love the fantasy of these looks and have always enjoyed fashion's interpretation of what's in store.

Enjoy these looks and happy red carpet watching. Cause that's what's up this first Monday in May, that somehow feels like November. Yours, in future focusing. XO